Foods That Feed the 420 Feeling

Did you know that certain foods can not only satisfy your 420 munchies but can actually enhance the effects of your sesh? Pairing cannabis with the right foods can make your high more enjoyable, more intense, and more effective. Whether you are fighting pain and inflammation or simply enjoying a stress relieving recreational toke, the right food can take your experience to the next level. Funnily enough though, the foods we are referring to are not your typical Doritos and Taco Bell munchies! In fact, they are largely healthy foods with a wide range of health benefits on their own! So move over Twinkies and Pizza Rolls, there’s a new sheriff in town!

A word of caution though, if you really want to enjoy the flavor profiles of these delicious foods, choose a vape session over a smoke session since the smoke can adversely affect your palate. I’d also recommend spreading out your food intake with a little before, during, and after your session to maximize the effect.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin E and B, both of which increase serotonin production. Serotonin is known for its mood altering effects and is often “supplemented” in patients battling depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, and anxiety through the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI).

While marijuana does not directly produce serotonin, it does affect anandamide (“the bliss chemical”) production which causes a calm and relaxing feeling and works in conjunction with serotonin

By combining your cannabis with sweet potatoes, you increase the calming, euphoric effect, making this combo perfect if you are struggling with a crappy mood or particularly high levels of stress or anxiety.

Nuts

Nuts such as walnuts, beechnuts, and pecans, are high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and increases levels of specific endocannabinoid synthesis enzymes which upregulate CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors regulate the psychoactive effects of cannabis that are responsible for mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation and CB2 receptors regulate the anti-inflammatory effects by working directly within immune cells. In addition to affecting these receptors, fatty acids bind with cannabinoids to create a longer lasting high that takes effect much faster.

Mango

Mango is my all time favorite pairing with marijuana. Not only does it enhance the effect of the cannabis, but the cannabis enhances the taste and texture of the mango. It’s a mutually beneficial experience. The reason behind this is mango’s high levels of myrcene terpenes. The myrcene terpene is also present in cannabis and acts as a regulator of other terpenes and cannabinoids to enhance or buffer their effects.

Myrcene is a muscle relaxer, an anti-depressant, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antiseptic, an antioxidant, and an anti-carcinogenic

It also affects the permeability of cell membranes, which allows more THC to reach brain cells and increasing the potency of the cannabis. This combination increases suppression of muscle spasms like those experienced by epileptics and MS patients in addition to inhibiting cell mutation in those fighting cancer.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is known for its extremely high amounts of anandamide as well as two substances that serve as cannabinoid breakdown inhibitors: N-oleoylethanolamine and N-linoleoyl ethanolamine. These inhibitors are also known to inhibit weight gain and fight inflammation! Since these inhibitors slow down the breakdown of anandamide, THC, and CBD, these compounds will last longer and provide more benefit from your sesh. Dark chocolate also contains a major xanthine alkaloid known as theobromine. Theobromine is a vasodilator and acts as a driver of nutrients and chemicals within our bodies. Because of this, theobromine is thought to exaggerate the effects of THC, CBD, and anandamide, resulting in a highly euphoric experience.

Tea

So, if I told you that breast milk, tea, and marijuana shared a common denominator, you’d probably look at me a little wonky. However, each of these activates the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system! In tea, it’s the antioxidant catechin that acts on this receptor, creating neuroprotective benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with marijuana, these benefits are amplified and your feelings of peace and tranquility are enhanced. You can even make or purchase cannabis infused teas designed specifically to take advantage of this amazing combo.

Broccoli

Okay, I know, I know…broccoli is not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about 420 munchies, but seriously, there is no better way to eat this vegetable, especially when using marijuana to fight inflammation, pain, and depression! Broccoli has high levels of beta caryophyllene, which binds to CB2 receptors to work in tandem with the cannabinoids that reduce inflammation and pain. This combination works especially well with indica strains and strains designed for medical benefits.

Coconut Oil

This last one is really a pairing best pursued through infusion to create a cannaoil that you can use to create potent edibles or topicals. It is however, so effective, that it absolutely had to be included on this list. This combination is incredibly versatile too! You can use coconut can use in everything from bulletproof coffee (as a butter substitute) to brownies to topicals and capsules. Coconut oil alone has a multitude of health benefits, such as boosting your immune system, aiding digestion, and acting as an anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial agent.

When combined with cannabis, coconut oil increases the bioavailability of cannabis components such as THC and CBD making the cannabis significantly more potent that other infusion methods.

It should be noted that this potency is multiplied significantly in comparison to other infusion methods and you should use limited quantities until you determine how it will affect you.

So what are you waiting for? Hit the kitchen and start experiencing that 420 feeling on the next level! No need to resort to those unhealthy, munchy cravings when you’ve got a host of options to satisfy your hunger and enhance your ganja experience! Armed with this list, you could even plan one hell of a dinner party/ toking session for your closest friends!

Foods That Feed the 420 Feeling was last modified: September 7th, 2018 by Amber Faust

Amber Faust is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in natural lifestyle pieces and sociopolitical commentary. Amber is a lifelong activist for social justice and environmental issues. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, drumming, meditation, and yoga.